When Michael Yost was getting ready to graduate from high school, he was also trying to decide how he could help people and still go to college at the same time. He knew that there was a way to do both, so he decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 2005, Michael completed Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He continued his schooling in Twentynine Palms, California, where he focused his training in Technical Data Systems. Michael took this expertise around the world – from Yuma, Arizona, to Iraq and Japan, and then back to the states in North Carolina. Michael’s service was such an inspiration to his younger brother that he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps as well. However, Michael’s outstanding service came at a price.
Michael sustained back injuries, nerve damage, and a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress throughout his eight years in the Marine Corps. The Post-Traumatic Stress was so severe that he needed to be hospitalized and medically retired in 2013. Michael earned the rank of Sergeant by the time of his retirement.
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, is the place where Michael calls home. Even though he deals with back pain, migraines, anxiety, and depression on a regular basis, Michael receives endless love and support from his wife, Amanda, their two young daughters, and his service dog, Romeo.
Whenever he is able to, Michael enjoys going to church, playing video games, wood working, and gardening in his free time. Michael’s service-connected difficulties include pain with walking and sitting for too long, as well as discomfort in large crowds. Romeo always makes sure that he’s by Michael’s side to assist him when needed.
Purple Heart Homes is helping the Yost family receive insultation throughout their home, new paint outside of their home, and a fence around their property to create a safer environment for their two young daughters and Romeo. When asked what this intervention from Purple Heart Homes means to their family, Michael shares, “This relieves a lot of stress. We couldn’t afford to do all of this ourselves. Our house is almost 100 years old. It means a lot to stay in our home and remain comfortable.”
Your dedication and service to our country means a lot to us, Michael. Welcome to the Purple Heart Homes family!
